Overall Rating
4 out of 5

This Suzuki GSX-R1000 is the original ‘Gixxer-thou’ – THE top dog sports bike of its day. Later Suzuki GSX-R1000s became smaller and more revvy as well as faster round circuits and arguably easier to handle. The original Suzuki GSX-R1000 K1 and K2 models are still supremely competent sports bikes and pretty decent all round machines too.

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5

The Suzuki GSX-R1000 is capable of leading the fast group at track days or winning races but useable and stable on the road. It’s not super fast steering but it’s still a nimble bike. Really hard use can show up weaknesses in the Suzuki GSX-R1000's front brakes. Try fresh fluid and pads but if they doesn’t work, a Brembo 1920 master cylinder should help.

Engine
5 out of 5

The Suzuki GSX-R1000 has always had the strongest engine in the 1000cc sport class – that makes it king of the gods. The Suzuki GSX-R1000's huge power on tap just above tickover, a walloping midrange and a top end rush to make you laugh all the way to the magistrates court. Lower ratios means it outperforms the Suzuki GSX-R1000 K3-K6 models in top gear too. Pleasantly raw with enough gruff edge to excite as well.

Build Quality & Reliability
3 out of 5

Generally pretty robust. The gold coloured Titanium Nitride coating flakes off the Suzuki GSX-R1000's front forks but it’s only a cosmetic problem. Gearbox problems are not unknown if the Suzuki GSX-R1000 is ridden really hard – which probably means track use. The odd engine problem occurs but they’re easy to work on for a big, potentially complex engine.

Insurance, running costs & value
4 out of 5

You can get a Suzuki GSX-R1000 for £3000 if you look hard and buy privately. That’s a stunning deal. But the 2002 R1 and Fireblade also make superb buys on the used market – and the Blade’s a little better put together than the Suzuki. It’s still a great deal especially as most people want the later, prettier versions of the Suzuki GSX-R1000. Find a Suzuki GSX-R1000 for sale.

Equipment
5 out of 5

Amazingly for a class leading (borderline class redefining) hardcore sports bike, the Suzuki GSX-R1000's pretty comfy too. A sensible riding position (ok, the pegs are a tad high for all-day riding) plus soft gel filled seats and a decent fairing mean you can tour on the Suzuki GSX-R1000. There’s some under seat storage and reasonable mirrors and headlights too.

Used bargain and clean/ well kept ones will start to become a sound investment soon.

Ride Quality & Brakes

4 out of 5

Braided lines and calliper service a must. Handling sorted by HM Racing and feels fantastic for a 18 year old bike.

Engine

5 out of 5

Huge torque and power delivery everywhere - you always run out of road...

Build Quality & Reliability

5 out of 5

Simple to work on and 99% of parts are still available

Value & Running Costs

5 out of 5

Bought mine for £2k - what a bargain. A simple bike that thrives on minor servicing.

Equipment

4 out of 5

Basic but that's good. Added HealTech gear indicator and TRE which I now think is essential.

Buying experience

Private sale from eBay on a whim... I was lucky the bike just needed some fettling and you can tell it's never been binned.

5 out of 5

OLD SCHOOL GRUNT

06 July 2018
by
Steve Leader

Year :
2002

I've had just about everything apart from a cruiser. I've had the modern stuff too. So far my favourite sportbikes are the early blade I had and 2 x ZX9rs. Decided to try the Gsxr1000 k2 after read the amazing reviews. At 6 ft 4 I am really quite comfy on it. Took it for a first proper ride tonight. It has done 1000 miles in the last 6 years and needed some fresh petrol and then just using as you could tell it was suffering from lack of use. I went out with an open mind and tried to relax into a comfy position and just settle in to it. After a hundred miles of mixed roads and riding I was really really impressed. Believe everything you read about that motor. It's very very very strong. But easy to ride at sane speeds. I headed for squires and had a pasty and a brew and just sat and looked at it. It dawned on me how nice the chassis is too. A 16 year old superbike with with all that performance for £3100 and barely run in. Where is the Argument for a new bike!!!???
Really really impressed. I'm going to stop now as I could go on all day. Go and get one for the same amount of money your mates will lose in the first twelve months buying the latest thing.

Ride Quality & Brakes

4 out of 5

-

Engine

5 out of 5

Where on earth could you explore this bikes upper reaches on the road. Answer... you can't really. Amazing midrange. I've had a glimpse at the top end but always seem to run out of road!!!!

Build Quality & Reliability

4 out of 5

-

Value & Running Costs

5 out of 5

-

Equipment

3 out of 5

It's a sportsbike.

Buying experience

Bought private with 9k on the clock for £3100. One original owner from new with full supplying dealer history. Very pleased

5 out of 5

high mileage GSXR

06 January 2016
by
Oliver Lovell

Year :
2002

Amazing bike, bought 5 years ago with 1,450 miles on it and have used it for touring, nurburgring trips and is still used for the everyday commute (its my only mode of transport)

Ride Quality & Brakes

4 out of 5

Brakes were not great when i got it, but decent pads and braided lines helped.

Engine

5 out of 5

Can't fault the engine, still smooth and great power and so reliable (touch wood)

Build Quality & Reliability

5 out of 5

It's now on 60,000 miles and i have had no real problems at all. Been serviced regualry, i had to replace swingarm pivot bearings thats all

Value & Running Costs

4 out of 5

Oil change every 3000 so not the cheapest to maintain I suppose

Equipment

4 out of 5

It doesn't have many luxury items, but i like that basic motorcycling. I would recommend the for mentioned brake upgrades.

Buying experience

I bought this bike from a great little garage which has now closed, the guy was an ex club racer, the bike was owned from new by an older chap, i was 24 at the time so i classed him as older. who had a problem with his back and couldn't ride the bike, hence the 1,400 miles, it had been off the road for 7 years.

5 out of 5

gsxr1000k1

19 May 2011
by
hawkslayers

I have a gixxer1000k1 with a yoshi,k@n power is 152bhp which is pretty decent. mid range is awesome top end power,lets just say good enough to get up in trouble with the boys in blue.running michelin 2ct tryes seems to do a great job on handling,road holding,what suprises me most is how comfy the bike is im 6,1 and seat,bar fit me like a glove fuel,reliability has been top rate ,if you can pick up a decent one trust me you cant go far wrong for the money you will be hard pressed to get better.

Ride Quality & Brakes

5 out of 5

-

Engine

5 out of 5

-

Build Quality & Reliability

5 out of 5

-

Value & Running Costs

4 out of 5

-

Equipment

4 out of 5

-

5 out of 5

The one

12 February 2011
by
sandmacker

The Gixer k2 is as good a bike for most of us as we're ever gong to want. With a pipe and power comander the old girl is still packing over 145 hp at the wheeldespite over 50 thou on the clock .Put some quality rubber on those rims and it will deliver for the most. The motor is as reliable as a rock , it handles as good as any other within given bounds, and can be got for a song. If you buy a bike such as one of these , you will give that throttle a healthy handful . That I can assure you. I have spend many an hour pondering over this bike and that as the best to get . There's no denying some of them are brilliant , but does an extra 10 > 20 (AUS)thoasand dollars warrant it ?
I have mixed it with 1098's and held my own , to be given a lesson in riding by an R1 rider the next day. For the street,the K2 has it all. From that brilliant reliable long stroke torquey motor ,great stable handling,good comfort, and a brilliant purchase price , the K2 would have to rate arguably as the best value hyper bike on the market. There are many that rate it above the K9/10, and a modded k2 actually beat the K9 by a second around the race track according to a bike mag.We can hum and ha all we like, think this and that , but what really matters is bang for your buck .You'll be very hard pressed to find anything that will deliver for the price of a K2. Simply ; the best valued sports bike on the market ATM .

Ride Quality & Brakes

5 out of 5

-

Engine

5 out of 5

-

Build Quality & Reliability

5 out of 5

-

Value & Running Costs

5 out of 5

-

Equipment

5 out of 5

-

5 out of 5

Just short of one thing.........

12 June 2004
by
shineydave

Chopped in a 1993 rrp blade for this, what a culture shock, no oversteer, masses of power everywhere, just short of one thing, a packet of disposable underpants in a dispenser small enough to fit in the underseat storage. Fitting a timing retard eliminator cured the snatchy low rev throttle response, some goodridge hoses bought from ebay firmed up the front brakes. Only other gripe is the paintwork on the fairing lowers is suffering from stone chips far too readily. Apart from that it's the dogs. Check out www.shineydave.co.uk for some pics of my nitrous install, lol. Strengths: Outright sheer power, handling. Weaknesses: Brakes, finish.

Ride Quality & Brakes

5 out of 5

-

Engine

5 out of 5

-

Build Quality & Reliability

5 out of 5

-

Value & Running Costs

5 out of 5

-

Equipment

4 out of 5

-

5 out of 5

My Review

12 June 2002
by
john connell

Very fast but comfortable. It should have a hugger as standard though, and the brakes are no-whee near as good as my old GSZ-R750WW. There is a stumble just off idle than can nearly have you off during U-turns, but once rolling the pick-up is very smooth. But my God is it Banzai fast - I have a feeling jail may be my end destination!

Ride Quality & Brakes

5 out of 5

-

Engine

5 out of 5

-

Build Quality & Reliability

4 out of 5

-

Value & Running Costs

5 out of 5

-

Equipment

4 out of 5

-

5 out of 5

My Review

15 January 2002
by
arialane

Been amazing. so much fun. since I have a address in Italy I bought it there, insured it there, ride it here. Hence the price which was total cost to ride away. Don't like the wheel spins when you don't need them. And it seems to lose power after 45 min of riding?? 3rd gear wheelies stops?? Fuel injection needs setting up, jerky.

Ride Quality & Brakes

5 out of 5

-

Engine

5 out of 5

-

Build Quality & Reliability

5 out of 5

-

Value & Running Costs

5 out of 5

-

Equipment

4 out of 5

-

5 out of 5

My Review

13 January 2002
by
DeathCannon

Before this, had a year-2000 CBR929RR (Fireblade). Compared to that: slightly stiffer but much more stable confident handling. Higher speeds don't seem as fast, because so smooth and easy (the Blade's front end gets uneasy when you push it very hard). Very easy to lean far over, confidently... the bike likes it. Brakes are slightly stronger than the godlike brakes on the 'Blade, but with less feedback and a bit mushy (in comparison), but still excellent and just a hair more powerful. I just took it on a 500 mile trip and it wasn't so bad, comfortwise... IF you find the right way to sit, weight on the wrists is no worse than the Blade. If not, you do notice more weight on the wrists, but it's liveable. Pillion will lean against you more, transferring more weight to wrists, unlike a CBR. Seat is cushier. Engine is much smoother and solid-feeling. Does not rev quite as fast/hard as the Blade (which was really fun about the Blade), but the 12500 redline, which is 1000 higher, is very nice... that last 1000 is just enough to make the bike feel more... extreme and thrashable. All in all, best bike I've ever ridden... it makes crazy speed easy. Stable smooth obedient handling with smooth controllable loads of power. The stock exhaust is so quiet, that along with the smooth power delivery, it adds to the illusion you aren't going fast, when in fact you are rocketing like a missile. The throttle demands respect, and in the first two gears, even in third gear, it always has more power than you can use, just waiting to lift the front wheel on you.

Ride Quality & Brakes

5 out of 5

-

Engine

5 out of 5

-

Build Quality & Reliability

4 out of 5

-

Value & Running Costs

5 out of 5

-

Equipment

4 out of 5

-

5 out of 5

My Review

11 January 2002
by
Brutus

This is the best bike I have ever owned. In fact it is the best I have ever ridden! Power is intoxicating. Handling is a dream. Comfort is liveable. WOW factor every time I ride it. It has that holy shit ability to keep you interested and on your toes at all times.

Very good at everything (much better than me). You don't need to work hard to keep up with anything. The engine has a v/good midrange (my last 2 bikes have been gsx-r 750's). Build quality could be better - some of the castings are very rough. Paint on the wheels is very thin as well. Gearbox was bad but has got better since 600 miles.

Ride Quality & Brakes

5 out of 5

-

Engine

5 out of 5

-

Build Quality & Reliability

4 out of 5

-

Value & Running Costs

5 out of 5

-

Equipment

4 out of 5

-

5 out of 5

My Review

13 July 2001
by
markS

Great bike, very fast, but the handling is excellent - makes every other bike I've owned feel rubbish and under powered. great feedback from the front end. Its a tall bike... which does take some getting used to, and feels a bit snatchy on the throttle.... definately not a novice bike.... but there again I'm not a novice. Got an oil leak within 300 miles from the engine which made life interesting at the rear end.

Ride Quality & Brakes

5 out of 5

-

Engine

5 out of 5

-

Build Quality & Reliability

5 out of 5

-

Value & Running Costs

5 out of 5

-

Equipment

4 out of 5

-

5 out of 5

My Review

04 July 2001
by
carlcasella

As far as a play thing... guarenteed to give you a stiffy. As far as a road bike... previous bike was a lot better.. Hayabusa. But I did buy it for intended use at track days..